bugleweed
Ajuga reptans 'Purple Torch'
Overview
Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans 'Purple Torch') boasts variegated purple foliage with dark vegetable-based colors. This low-growing, mat-forming perennial is a great choice for as a ground cover or for edging. It blooms in late spring or early summer, producing tiny, dense, blue-violet spikes. It thrives in moist, well-drained locations with full or partial sunlight, and is ideal for those difficult areas where other plants may find it hard to survive. The incredibly versatile bugleweed is heat and cold tolerant and can also act as a natural weed suppressant. It's a great option for homeowners who are looking for low maintenance and beautiful perennials.
Care Guide
Watering
Bugleweed prefers moist, but well-drained soil. It should be watered once or twice a week to keep the soil moist. Increase watering frequency during the warmer months, ensuring the soil never completely dries out. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency to once every 2 to 3 weeks.
Light
Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans 'Purple Torch') prefers full sun to partial shade. The plant needs at least 5 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. Morning sun is best, as the intensity of the afternoon sun may be too strong. When planted in areas that get too much direct sun, bugleweed may become stunted or may not flower. Bugleweed can only tolerate full sun conditions when the soil is kept moist.
Soil
Rocky , gravelly , dry
Temperature
Hardiness zone 3–10.
Pruning
Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans 'Purple Torch') should be pruned yearly. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Depending on your climate, this can range between February and April. Keep the height of the plant at 4-6 inches by removing any dead, diseased or damaged shoots, as well as any shoots that grow more than 2 inches above the desired height. This will also help encourage a dense growth habit. If you accidentally over-prune the plant, new growth should be visible shortly after.
Propagation
Division, Cutting, Seed Propagation, Layering Propagation
Uses & Symbolism
Attracts: Bees.
Diseases & Pests
Common pests: Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant, Drought resistant.
Related plants
Other plants you might like if you grow bugleweed.
